Turning Or Steering Patents (Class 340/465)
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Patent number: 12130006Abstract: A decorative automotive component includes a structure having a textured surface with a plurality of light-reflecting facets. The textured surface is selectively metallized, such as via electroplating, such that a plurality of openings are defined through the metal material and which expose the underlying substrate. A first light source, hidden from view, is disposed above the textured surface and directs light onto the reflective textured surface, such that light is reflected outwardly therefrom. A second light source is disposed within the structure and below the substrate, and directs light through substrate and directly into and through openings, such that the openings are illuminated and visible. The light sources can be activated individually or at the same time to combine the lighting effect.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2023Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Hawkins
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Patent number: 11651684Abstract: A vehicle lighting system provided in a vehicle includes: a lighting unit configured to emit light toward outside of a vehicle; and a lighting control unit configured to control the lighting unit such that the lighting unit visually presents, to an oncoming vehicle present ahead of the vehicle, predetermined information on traveling support of the oncoming vehicle, based on a vehicle width of the oncoming vehicle and a road width in a lateral region of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshinori Shibata, Naoki Takii, Misako Kamiya, Norihisa Sutou, Masao Okawa
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Patent number: 11483424Abstract: A hands-free device includes a memory, and a hardware processor coupled to the memory. The hardware processor being configured to: connect to a mobile phone to enable a hands-free call; receive at least one of outgoing call history data, incoming call history data, missed call history data, and phonebook data stored in the mobile phone; and delete data transferred from the mobile phone in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Kisei Takada, Hiroki Oobayashi, Akihiro Murano
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Patent number: 11407360Abstract: A blind spot warning and turn signal indication light-emitting device for a vehicle side view mirror includes a mirror seat, a blind spot warning unit and a turn signal indication unit both mounted on the mirror seat. The blind spot warning unit includes a light guiding member having a light incident face aligned with a light emitting diode lamp and provided with a plurality of grooves to diffuse light emitted by the light emitting diode lamp. The turn signal indication unit includes a turn signal light guide having a light incident surface aligned with light emitting elements and provided with a plurality of troughs to diffuse light emitted by the light emitting elements. The turn signal light guide further includes an operating surface having reflective surfaces to reflect the diffused light to uniformly pass outwardly through a mirror of the vehicle side view mirror.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Inventor: Mei-Hui Huang
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Patent number: 11407356Abstract: A U-turn signal indicator is provided having an array of light-emitting diodes arranged in a daisy chain configuration to form a ring or loop of lights. The LED ring can be provided as a separate one-piece construction that can be attached to the vehicle at any desired location, such as a side view mirror assembly, headlight, or taillight. Alternately, the LED ring can be integrally manufactured into the target vehicle location. Activation of each LED in sequence generates a pattern of illumination that signifies a U-turn. The existing turn signal switch assembly can be modified to add a functionality that controls the LED activation.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Inventor: Juan Cabada
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Patent number: 11267509Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle includes a steering rod and at least one drive unit, wherein the steering rod can be displaced along its longitudinal extent by the drive unit. The steering device also includes at least one first sensor device for determining a displacement position of the steering rod. The steering rod, as seen along its longitudinal extent, exhibits at least one change in its cross section, in particular diameter, wherein the first sensor device is designed to sense the change.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2018Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hendrik Buering, Wolfgang Abele, Andreas Kruttschnitt, Arnulf Heilig, Ralf Redemann, Vitali Haag, Ossmane Krini, Stefan Scherb, Arthur Rupp
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Patent number: 11241996Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and vehicles, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, etc., for collaboratively directing one or more headlights by two or more vehicles. Various aspects may include receiving, by a first vehicle processor, a first collaborative lighting message from a second vehicle, in which the first collaborative lighting message may request the first vehicle direct one or more headlights of the first vehicle, in collaboration with the second vehicle directing one or more headlights of the second vehicle according to a collaborative lighting plan, and directing, by the first vehicle processor, one or more of the headlights of the first vehicle in accordance with the collaborative lighting plan.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Paul Daniel Martin, Aleksandr Kushleyev, Jonathan Paul Davis, Moussa Ben Coulibaly, Kristen Wagner Cerase
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Patent number: 11173976Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a change in speed of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the change in speed. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle reduces speed and/or is decelerating as it approaches an intersection. Additionally, the headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated as the vehicle accelerates from a stopped position or reaches a certain traveling speed. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: VisionWorks IP CorporationInventors: Fritz Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
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Patent number: 11138883Abstract: A communication system for vehicles includes a first communication device disposed at a first vehicle and a second communication device disposed at a second vehicle. The first communication device wirelessly transmits data indicative of a predicted path of travel of the first vehicle, and the second communication device receives the transmitted data from the first communication device. An ECU of the second vehicle processes data received from the first communication device and data indicative of a predicted path of travel of the second vehicle to determine a potential collision between the first vehicle and the second vehicle during a turning maneuver of the first vehicle toward the second vehicle. Responsive to determination of potential collision between the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the ECU controls braking and/or steering of the second vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Krishna Koravadi
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Patent number: 11077801Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror reflector, a mirror back plate, a heater pad and a blind spot indicator module. The heater pad is disposed between the mirror reflective element and the mirror back plate and has a light transmitting portion that is aligned with an aperture of the mirror back plate. The blind spot indicator module includes a body portion and a connector portion extending from the body portion. Light emitted by at least one light emitting diode of the blind spot indicator module passes through the light transmitting portion of the heater pad and through a light-transmitting portion of the mirror reflector and exits the mirror reflective element to provide a visual icon visible to a driver of the vehicle who is driving the vehicle and who is viewing said mirror reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 11016503Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the steering and throttle of a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle are described herein. More specifically, sensors and circuitry are configured to control the wheel speed and wheel direction of a RC vehicle based on rotational information. In operation, one or more sensors may be configured to receive angular rotational information associated with a rotation of the RC vehicle. The rotational information may define a rotation of the RC vehicle around one or more axes of the RC vehicle. The circuitry may be configured to receive the angular rotation information associated with the rotation of the RC vehicle from the one or more sensors, and control a wheel speed and/or a wheel direction of at least one wheel of the RC vehicle based at least in part on (i) command data received from a controller associated with the RC vehicle and (ii) the received angular rotation information.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Horizon Hobby, LLCInventors: Paul Beard, Jukka Steenari, John Adams
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Patent number: 11014572Abstract: An autonomous driving system mounted on a vehicle includes: a vehicle behavior control device configured to perform vehicle behavior control that controls behavior of the vehicle; and an awareness level calculation device configured to calculate an awareness level of a driver of the vehicle. A low awareness state is a state where the awareness level is lower than a normal state. The vehicle behavior control device performs the vehicle behavior control such that another vehicle around the vehicle predicts or recognizes the behavior of the vehicle more easily in a case of the low awareness state than in a case of the normal state.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryuta Hashimoto, Yoshinori Watanabe
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Patent number: 10919442Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and kits useful for signaling the intention and execution of a U-turn maneuver by a motor vehicle. A combination of existing headlights, reverse lights, turn-signal lights and side light modules are used in concert to generate a universally applicable signal that communicates to other travelers that a U-turn maneuver is intended and under execution. The signaling can be mediated via use of a U-turn signal switch that activates the light modules of a vehicle that correspond to the direction of the U-turn maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Inventors: José C. Arteiro, Waleska Sanchez
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Patent number: 10857936Abstract: A U-turn signal system; the U-turn signal system includes an exterior-vehicle illuminating U-Turn signal assembly, an interior-vehicle illuminating U-Turn signal assembly, and an activation device having a radio frequency transmitter in wireless communication with the exterior-vehicle illuminating U-Turn signal assembly and the interior-vehicle illuminating U-Turn signal assembly each having radio frequency receivers. The U-turn signal system may be installed on a host-vehicle and provides means for indicating an intent to make a U-turn.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Inventor: Katherine James
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Patent number: 10843630Abstract: A backing plate unit for a rear view device for a motor vehicle includes at least one opening passing from a rear side of a backing plate to a front side thereof to form a logo pattern by itself, first attachment means on the rear side of the backing plate for a light source, and light filter means and/or at least one extension which is extending from the front side of the backing plate in the region of the logo pattern. A method for producing such a backing plate unit and a rear view device with such a backing plate unit are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.Inventors: Andrew Brien Little, Stephen Edney, Harry Welfare, Andreas Herrmann
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Patent number: 10803739Abstract: A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes detecting at least one other mobile electronic device within a predetermined distance of the mobile electronic device, and determining a spatial relationship of the at least one other mobile electronic device relative to the mobile electronic device. An ad hoc wireless connection is established with the at least one other mobile electronic device based on the determined spatial relationship. Data may be transmitted to and/or received from the at least one other mobile electronic device over the ad hoc wireless connection based on the determined spatial relationship. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Thomas Arnold Anschutz, Mounire El Houmaidi
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Patent number: 10773635Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for automatically controlling various lights of a vehicle. The systems and methods are configured to determine whether a vehicle is being driven off-road or on a public road, determine a first light activation condition that is based on whether the vehicle is being driven off-road or on the public road, and execute a vehicle lights control procedure to grant to a driver of the vehicle on-off control of a first light in the vehicle based on the first light activation condition and to withdraw grant of the on-off control of the first light based on a second light activation condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mario Alejandro Adams-Campos, Elias Ruiz, Gregory S. Hawkins, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos, Alejandro Becerra
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Patent number: 10676147Abstract: A safety warning method includes the following steps. Step 1 is to generate a plurality of distance sensing signals by an optical object ranging module according to an approaching object. Step 2 is to obtain a relative distance trend according to the distance sensing signals and its corresponding time. Step 3 is to generate a control signal according to the relative distance trend. Step 4 is to drive and control a warning device to generate a warning signal according to the control signal. In addition, the present invention also provides a mobile vehicle and a safety warning device.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: ISSA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Chi-Wei Chiu
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Patent number: 10661707Abstract: Instead of binary brake lights on a car, the present disclosure provides methods and apparatus to provide an indicator of brake magnitude of the car. A pressure sensor, accelerometer, or other device capable of approximating the magnitude of a braking force is coupled to a control module, which itself is coupled to auxiliary lights mounted on the car. These auxiliary lights are capable of displaying a pulse, color, or a pattern correlated to the magnitude of the braking force. This gives drivers behind the car an indication of how quickly to respond to a braking car.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Inventor: Maurice Matovich
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Patent number: 10596986Abstract: A tether system for providing power from a vehicle to a garment is presented. The system includes a tether having a first end and a second end, at least one electrical conductor operatively between the first and second ends, and an electrical contact at the second end, the tether being adapted for connecting to the garment at the first end; and a base adapted for mounting to the vehicle, the second end of the tether being selectively connected to the base, the base being adapted for selectively receiving the electrical contact and for providing power to the at least one electrical conductor of the tether via the electrical contact, the base, when mounted to the vehicle, being operative to stop propulsion of the vehicle when the tether is disconnected from the base.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Alexandre Lecointre, Jerome Demers
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Patent number: 10589664Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for activating turn indicators of a motor vehicle. The disclosed methods includes collecting, for a predetermined period of time, from a plurality of internal and externals sensors of the vehicle, information associated with a plurality of driving maneuvers performed by a driver of the vehicle, the collected information includes at least one of information about driver's behavior, vehicle condition, road condition or traffic condition; feeding the collected information into a neural network for training a plurality of rules that determine when to automatically activate turn indicators based at least on driver's behavior; applying one or more trained rules to predict the next vehicle maneuver by the driver; and automatically activating a turn indicator of the vehicle based on the application of the one or more rules before the next vehicle maneuver is performed by the driver.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Inventor: Stanislav D. Kashchenko
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Patent number: 10528060Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the steering and throttle of a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle are described herein. More specifically, sensors and circuitry are configured to control the wheel speed and wheel direction of a RC vehicle based on rotational information. In operation, one or more sensors may be configured to receive angular rotational information associated with a rotation of the RC vehicle. The rotational information may define a rotation of the RC vehicle around one or more axes of the RC vehicle. The circuitry may be configured to receive the angular rotation information associated with the rotation of the RC vehicle from the one or more sensors, and control a wheel speed and/or a wheel direction of at least one wheel of the RC vehicle based at least in part on (i) command data received from a controller associated with the RC vehicle and (ii) the received angular rotation information.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Horizon Hobby, LLCInventors: Paul Beard, Jukka Steenari, John Adams
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Patent number: 10467868Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic apparatus for providing a tactile sensation and, more particularly, to a magnetic apparatus for providing a user with tactile information, by means of changes in viscosity, rigidity and elasticity due to a magnetic field, by using a magnetorheological fluid or a magnetorheological elastiomer. A magnetic apparatus for providing a tactile sensation comprises a tactile sensation provider 110 having magnetic particles 101, wherein the tactile sensation provider 110 provides a user with tactile information by means of a change due to an external magnetic field that has been applied.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: CK MATERIALS LAB CO., LTD.Inventors: Seoung Hun Do, Hyeong Jun Kim
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Patent number: 10453346Abstract: A system including a computer for a vehicle is programmed to identify the vehicle as a lead vehicle in a platoon of three or more vehicles, and to identify one of the vehicles in the platoon as a caboose vehicle. The computer is programmed to deactivate a rear light of the lead vehicle, and to instruct activation of a rear light of the caboose vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Somak Datta Gupta, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Pramita Mitra, Jayanthi Rao, Perry Robinson MacNeille
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Patent number: 10309608Abstract: The invention concerns a signaling device adapted to display pictograms, notably for a motor vehicle. The device is configured to implement at least one signaling function of a motor vehicle. The device includes display means including a display zone intended to be disposed on the vehicle, the display means being adapted to display pictograms in the display zone, each pictogram emitting a light beam having at least in part the statutory photometric characteristics of at least one of said at least one signaling functions.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: VALEO VISIONInventors: Pierre Albou, Loic Boinet, Boubacar Sagna, Xavier Morel, Hafid El Idrissi, Stephan Sommerschuh
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Patent number: 10245937Abstract: The present invention is an electric mobility vehicle such as a powered knee walker, scooter, bicycle and a multi-passenger vehicle comprising a unique steering column assembly capable of being manually steered also autonomously steered by means of steering actuators. The vehicle user can select a manual drive mode option to operate the vehicle physically or the user can select an autonomous drive mode each mode allows the vehicle to operate more efficiently both indoors and outdoors. The vehicle is configured with a platform for standing, sitting and leaning, and the framework is configured with a front and rear drive system, the front drive system incorporates the steering column and one or more steering actuator which control front and rear propulsion systems. The propulsion includes; a DC powered truck module, a fork module, or a cantilever module, and each respectively comprise a drive motor, brake, sensor and accelerometers for self-balancing control.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Inventor: Carla R Gillett
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Patent number: 10220765Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Vision Works IP CorporationInventor: Fritz Braunberger
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Patent number: 10173586Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for activating turn indicators of a motor vehicle. The disclosed methods includes determining a traffic condition of the motor vehicle using an external sensor of the motor vehicle. Responsive to determining that the traffic condition of the motor vehicle is suitable for changing a direction of the motor vehicle, a change in driver behavior is detected using a driver sensor of the motor vehicle. A target direction of the motor vehicle is determined based on the traffic condition of the motor vehicle and on the determined change in driver behavior, and a turn indicator of the motor vehicle is activated accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Inventor: Stanislav D Kashchenko
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Patent number: 9884583Abstract: A method for operating a signal system, in particular for a vehicle, a gaze direction of a user being monitored by way of at least one first sensor, a warning signal being outputted depending on the gaze direction detected. Provision is made that by way of at least one second sensor, an environment of the user is monitored for possible target objects, the detected gaze direction of the user being compared with the environment. When the gaze direction of the user points toward one of the possible target objects, that target object is designated as a selected target object and, depending on a triggering command of the user, the warning signal is outputted into the environment for the selected target object.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Hoang Trinh
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Patent number: 9868385Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Vision Works IPInventor: Fritz Braunberger
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Patent number: 9758098Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring device comprises: an in-region object detecting unit which detects an in-region object present in contact determination regions on the basis of a photographic image from a camera per prescribed control cycle; and a warning control unit which performs warning control processing to give warning of a detected in-region object when an in-region object was not detected in the last control cycle, but the in-region object was detected in the present control cycle, and to restrain warning of a new in-region object when an in-region object was detected in the last control cycle and the new in-region object different from the in-region object detected in the last control cycle has been detected in the present control cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Aimura, Kodai Matsuda
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Patent number: 9626871Abstract: A leading vehicle group 1 transmits divided data 71 and 72 obtained by dividing vehicle information 7. Data transfer vehicle groups 2 and 3 transfer the divided data 71 and 72 to a data composite vehicle group 4 and to following vehicle groups 5 and 6. The data composite vehicle group 4 transfers composite data 73 obtained by XORing the divided data 71 and 72 to the following vehicle groups 5 and 6. The following vehicle group 5 XORs the divided data 71 received from the data transfer vehicle group 2 with the composite data 73 received from the data composite vehicle group 4 to restore the unreceived divided data 72.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Takatoshi Tosa, Yuji Hamada, Shinji Akatsu
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Patent number: 9616809Abstract: A system and method are provided that include a driver status monitor having at least one of an infrared sensor and a camera configured to sense facial feature data associated with an operator of a subject vehicle and an electronic control module that receives the facial feature data and determines that the operator has looked at one of a side mirror and a rear-view mirror and that the operator has looked at a blind spot of the subject vehicle within a predetermined time period. A controller in communication with the driver status monitor activates a turn signal system having at least one turn signal in response to the driver status monitor determining that the operator has looked at one of the side mirror, rear-view mirror, and the blind spot of the subject vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignees: Denso International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Bilal Alasry
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Patent number: 9529361Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing failure in an autonomous navigation system are provided. The method includes collecting, by a controller, failure information in the autonomous navigation system and a monitoring a driver condition. The controller is configured to collect the failure information in the autonomous navigation system, and determine whether to switch control from the autonomous navigation vehicle to a manual driving mode based on the driver condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Byung Yong You, Young Chul Oh
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Patent number: 9517719Abstract: A method for automatic direction indication for a vehicle includes the following steps: detecting a driver activity and/or a vehicle position by a Lane Keeping System and/or a Lane Departure Warning System; and automatically activating or deactivating a direction indicator of the vehicle dependent on the detected driver activity or vehicle position.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignees: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG, Conti Temic microelectronic GmbHInventors: Stefan Lueke, Matthias Happ
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Patent number: 9320977Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the steering and throttle of a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle are described herein. More specifically, sensors and circuitry are configured to control the wheel speed and wheel direction of a RC vehicle based on rotational information. In operation, one or more sensors may be configured to receive angular rotational information associated with a rotation of the RC vehicle. The rotational information may define a rotation of the RC vehicle around one or more axes of the RC vehicle. The circuitry may be configured to receive the angular rotation information associated with the rotation of the RC vehicle from the one or more sensors, and control a wheel speed and/or a wheel direction of at least one wheel of the RC vehicle based at least in part on (i) command data received from a controller associated with the RC vehicle and (ii) the received angular rotation information.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Horizon Hobby, LLCInventors: Paul Beard, Jukka Steenari, John Adams
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Patent number: 9002580Abstract: A system and a method for controlling an electrically-powered steering apparatus of a vehicle may include a selection switch adapted to select any of a plurality of steering modes, a control switch adapted to change a current for controlling the steering force, a control portion adapted to determine the current according to a signal received from at least one of the selection switch and the control switch and to transmit a control signal according to the determined current, and a drive portion adapted to control the steering force according to the control signal received from the control portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Nam Young Kim, Yoon Su Kim
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Patent number: 8994524Abstract: An indication unit for vehicles is suggested, which comprises at least one LED and at least one electrical circuit in a housing. The indication unit is connected to a first control, which is arranged in the vehicle, and connected to an LED driver circuit. A second control circuit, which is arranged in or on the housing of the indication unit, operates the LED with pulse-width modulated signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Daniel Fritz, Soenke Goldschmidt
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Publication number: 20150070161Abstract: In a turning direction indicator, a first determination section determines whether a steering angle becomes equal to or larger than a first angle in one turning direction after the steering angle becomes a rotation angle in another turning direction opposite to the one turning direction in a state where an indication operation section is operated to a position indicating the one turning direction and the one turning direction is displayed by a display section. A second determination section determines whether the steering angle becomes equal to or smaller than a second angle smaller than the first angle after the steering angle becomes equal to or larger than the first angle. If the second determination section determines that the steering angle is equal to or smaller than the second angle, a cancelation section cancels the display of the turning direction by the display section.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshiyuki MIZUNO, Hidehiro AKAHORI
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Patent number: 8941482Abstract: A turn indicator system determines when a moving vehicle has completed a turn and automatically turns off a turn indicator light. The system includes turn indicator lights, an accelerometer, and a processor. The accelerometer can sense acceleration in two-axis or three-axis. The processor is configured to receive the sensed accelerometer data and to determine when a vehicle has completed a turn based on the received accelerometer data. In response to determining that a turn is completed, the processor signals the appropriate turn indicator light to turn off. The turn indicator system can be implemented in a single-track vehicle, such as a bicycle or a motorcycle, or in a multi-track vehicle, such as an automobile.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Inventor: BenJoaquin Tomas Gouverneur
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Patent number: 8930083Abstract: An electric power steering system is provided. It comprises a steering assist assembly and a motor assembly that actuates the steering assist assembly. A control module that provides steering assist commands to the motor assembly, the control module including a circuit board having a first portion having circuits thereon and a second portion that includes at least one sensor circuit that receives signals from at least one sensor subsystem. A potting material coats only the first portion of the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2009Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Stephen Gillman, John R. Hoffman, Brian T. Murray, Wayne B. Thomas
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Publication number: 20140354422Abstract: A system for detecting vehicle deceleration having an accelerometer, a processing arrangement, and a deceleration indicator. The processing unit samples data from the accelerometer, and based on that data, determines if the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating. If the vehicle is braking or otherwise decelerating in excess of a threshold, the deceleration indicator is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: Kinetech LLCInventors: Mark Olson, Larry D. O'Cull
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Patent number: 8902084Abstract: A switch assembly is disclosed having a switch with an actuator moveable from an armed position to a disarmed position. A housing is attached to the switch and contains a cam that holds the switch actuator in the armed position. A trigger makes contact with the cam causing it to rotate within the housing and allowing the actuator to extend to move to a disarmed position. In some variants the cam can be shaped to prevent manual rotation against the bias force of the actuator in the disarmed position. The switch assembly can be positioned on an aircraft landing gear to detect an over-steer occurrence where the landing gear may become damaged. The state of the switch can be visibly or audibly indicated by an indicator in the aircraft cockpit or other location visible/audible to the ground operators.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Messier-Dowty Inc.Inventor: Gary Ataman
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Patent number: 8830044Abstract: Disclosed is a driving support device that is capable of realizing driving support in consideration of a risk potential determination tendency of a driver. The driving support device is a device that estimates a risk potential that is a degree of a risk with respect to a risk target in driving of a vehicle and performs a driving support for a driver of the vehicle on the basis of the estimated risk potential, and includes: a risk potential bias setting unit that sets a risk potential bias that is a value for changing the risk potential on the basis of a risk potential determination tendency of the driver; and a risk potential estimating unit that changes the risk potential on the basis of the risk potential bias set by the risk potential bias setting unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideo Fukamachi
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Patent number: 8816840Abstract: A wireless, removable vehicle signaling control and illumination apparatus for use on antique vehicles lacking original equipment vehicle signaling devices. The system utilizes a miniature digital radio transceiver inside a lamp housing to provide wireless control of the lamp. This signaling system provides a previously unavailable removable automotive signaling solution for antique vehicle owners who want improved illumination and safety features of modern automotive lighting while leaving the vehicle in “original” and “unmodified” condition, which is of such value to antique vehicle owners.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Classic Safety Products, LLCInventor: John Samuel Peterson
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Patent number: 8791835Abstract: Methods for road safety enhancement use mobile communication device (MCD) onboard vehicle to share traveling data through inter-vehicle communication broadcasting, perform road hazard warning, enhance road navigation, and provide autonomous road assistance. The methods have a variety of vehicle status data, such as moving data, steering data, or indicator data, obtained through GPS or image capturing and recognition of instrument cluster of vehicle. The image capturing and recognition allows to get speed data from indication of speedometer, indication of left or right turn signal, steering action data corresponding to steering wheel rotation, and light-on indication of system status indicators. To facilitate that, the MCD may be placed in front of steering wheel, and, if applicable, also in coupling with movement of steering wheel. The MCD may perform relative positioning map-matching lane correlation and GPS-update-interval speed positioning to improve data quality regarding vehicle moving status.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Inventor: Wei Zhang
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Patent number: 8742906Abstract: An output adjustment ECU includes: a request reception section for receiving an output request of alarm information to a driver from a drive assist ECU; a usefulness determination section for, when the request reception section receives the output request, determining whether or not outputting first alarm information that is the alarm information of which the output request is received is useful for the driver; a content modification section for, when the usefulness determination section determines that the outputting is not useful, modifying a content of the first alarm information to generate second alarm information that is alarm information useful for the driver; and an output execution section for outputting the first alarm information when the usefulness determination section determines that the outputting is useful, and outputting the second alarm information when the usefulness determination section determines that the outputting is not useful.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroaki Kataoka
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Patent number: 8736208Abstract: When one of six FETs has short-circuit faulted, a controllable region identification unit stops driving of an electric motor, and then performs processes for determining whether a short-circuit fault has occurred, and when a short-circuit fault has occurred, for identifying the position of the FET that has short-circuit faulted based on phase voltages (induced voltages) VU, VV, and VW of phases. When the position of the FET that has short-circuit faulted is identified, the controllable region identification unit performs a controllable region identification process. In detail, the controllable region identification unit identifies a “possible region,” an “indeterminate region,” and a “impossible region” based on phase voltages VU, VV, and VW of the phases.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Jtekt CorporationInventors: Shigekazu Okumura, Fumihiko Satou, Hiroshi Sumasu
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Publication number: 20140118132Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the communication system is customized before it is installed within the vehicle. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the communication system is customizable after it is installed within the vehicle by turning on and/or turning off one or more of the data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is able to be implemented on a bus or other such fleet vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Vision Works IP CorporationInventors: Fritz Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
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Patent number: 8710975Abstract: In an automated method for providing an indication, with the aid of a turn signal indicator, that a vehicle is leaving a parking space, a vehicle control system detects initially whether an executed driving maneuver is a maneuver related to leaving a parking space, in which case the maneuvering out of a parking space is indicated by activating the turn signal indicator, and the turn signal indicator is kept activated until the process of maneuvering out of the parking space has been concluded.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Christian Pampus, Florian Raisch, Albrecht Irion, Marcus Schneider